Still apparently unresolved is whether M1 will place a standalone order for equipment, or seek to tap another municipality's option for cars. The latter would necessarily determine which supplier would provide the gear. Kansas City, Mo, also is considering piggybacking on another municipality's order for its own nascent streetcar line.

The M1 line, traversing Woodward Ave., was scheduled to begin revenue service in 2014. though construction has yet to begin. Late last month Alameda, Calif.-based construction company Stacy and Witbeck Inc. was awarded a contract to oversee implementation of the streetcar line.